Anderson Narrowly Misses Olympic Games in 100 Meters

KINGSTON, Jamaica – University of Kansas junior Nickesha Anderson narrowly missed qualifying for the 2008 Olympic Games in the 100-meter dash at the Jamaican Olympic Trials in Kingston, Jamaica on Saturday.

Anderson qualified for the finals of the 100 meters after finishing third in her semifinal heat with a time of 11.27. Despite improving her time to 11.25 in the finals, just two-hundredths off her school record, the Hanover, Jamaica, native finished seventh. Kerron Stewart won the event with a world-leading time of 10.80.

“Nickesha ran really great in the semis and great in the finals as well” said head coach Stanley Redwine. “She just got beat by people who are better. They are the best in the world right now and for her to be the only collegiate in the final is an honor.”

Anderson will have another chance to qualify for the Olympics as she runs in the semifinals and finals of the 200 meters on Sunday at 5:30 p.m. (CST) and 7:50 p.m., respectively. “She’ll be ready to race tomorrow,” Redwine said.

Senior Crystal Manning will compete for a spot in the Olympic Games at 4:45 p.m. (CST) Sunday. Sophomore Jordan Scott is in the men’s pole vault finals at 4:40 p.m.

The top-three finishers in each event qualify for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China in August.